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The Social Welfare Department (SWD) and non-governmental organisations are making a concerted effort through district networks to bring warmth to the elderly and needy families this winter.
"As co-ordinated by SWD, there will be over 800 warmth and concern activities held between December 2010 and March 2011 across the territory to serve the elderly, especially single and frail elders," a spokesman for SWD said today (December 16).
"These activities are diversified and cater for the special needs of the elderly, such as courtesy telephone calls and visits, seminars on health advice, cleansing services as well as distribution of hot food and items to help them stay warm.
"We hope that our efforts can help the elderly get better prepared for the winter season," he added.
As Hong Kong has seen the temperature drop sharply over the past few days, outreach services for the elderly have been stepped up.
The Director of Social Welfare, Mr Patrick Nip, joined the "Winter Wonder Act" of the Ma On Shan (North) Integrated Family Service Centre this evening. Accompanying social workers of the centre and the Green Ribbon Caring Family Ambassadors-volunteers recruited by SWD, he visited and greeted the single elderly and needy families in the Ma On Shan District, offering his best wishes and presenting them with some items to help keep them warm.
Mr Nip appealed to the public to show concern and care for their relatives, friends and neighbours during the cold weather, particularly those living alone. People in need may call the SWD hotline at 2343 2255 for assistance.
Ends/Thursday, December 16, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:19
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